Providing the right level of care and support is incredibly important for providing elderly individuals with the right kind of attention and help they need as they age. This can be especially true when it comes to those who have disabilities or medical issues that can make living independently more difficult. These disabled seniors are often faced with unique challenges compared to other elderly adults, which affects their overall quality of life. Here are some tips from Senior Helpers Chestnut Hill on how families of disabled senior adults can make their lives easier.
Challenges Facing Disabled Senior Adults
Elderly individuals who have disabilities tend to face a unique set of challenges that can be difficult for them and their families to manage. One of the most significant issues is access and transportation. Disabled seniors often have limited mobility or cannot operate vehicles safely due to age-related changes in vision, strength, coordination, and reflexes.
Even simple tasks like grocery shopping or household chores may become more challenging with movement limitations caused by physical disabilities. Disabled seniors also often require specialized medical care or assistance with activities such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and taking medication properly – something that family members are often not equipped or qualified to provide.
How Family Can Make Life For Disabled Seniors Easier
Providing help and support to elderly family members with disabilities often requires planning, patience, and a great deal of understanding. Family members can work together to come up with creative solutions for transportation and mobility needs by hiring professional caregivers or arranging volunteer services such as rideshare programs or meals on wheels.
They can also help with finding social workers or medical professionals who are experienced in helping disabled seniors transition to independent living. Having a space designated solely for the senior's use – such as a wheelchair-friendly room or garden area – is also beneficial for their physical health and mental well-being.
Encourage Mental And Physical Health
Many disabled adults struggle with their mental health. Families can provide vital emotional and social support for disabled seniors as well. It's important to ensure that they have access to activities, classes, and events where they can engage with others in the community. There are many ways for seniors to improve their mental health, primarily by socializing with others.
Encourage them to pursue hobbies or interests even if their disability makes traditional forms of exercise difficult or impossible. There are often lower-intensity versions of exercise routines available specifically designed for individuals with physical limitations. Allowing them a measure of independence by allowing tasks such as cooking or grooming is also beneficial, so long as proper safety precautions are taken.
Senior Helpers Provides Premium Senior Care
Family members need to understand the unique challenges faced by disabled seniors and work together to ensure that their elderly loved ones receive the support they need. If you have questions about how you can support your senior loved one in the Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, Chestnut Hill, Narberth, and Montgomery County areas, contact Senior Helpers today!